Attorneys general are a leading consumer protection force in the country, generally receiving their authority from state consumer protection laws giving the attorney general primary enforcement responsibility within their state or territory. Some federal statutes also give attorneys general jurisdiction to enforce federal consumer protection laws. Additional consumer protection authority is based on the common law.
Attorneys general serve the public in a variety of ways in the sphere of consumer protection. These include:
- Education: Making consumers aware of their consumer rights and potential scams/frauds through speaking engagements, websites, press releases, public service announcements, mobile offices, social media, and other communications.
- Mediation: Serving as an independent mediator regarding disputes that consumers have with businesses.
- Consumers can file complaints with attorneys general, some of which offer a mediation service generally relying on the voluntary cooperation of both the consumer and the business. The mediator, who is independent and neutral, acts as a "go between" for the consumer and the business. Consumer complaints can often be resolved as a result of the mediation process.
- Enforcement: Investigation, settlement, and litigation of consumer protection matters.
Learn more about the role of attorneys general in consumer protection or how attorneys general work together on consumer protection matters.
Areas of Interest
Attorneys general have broad jurisdiction when it comes to consumer protection. Below are some of the numerous topics addressed by attorneys general.
- Annuities
- Automobiles
- Debt Relief
- Dietary Supplements and Pharmaceuticals
- Do-Not-Call/Robocalls
- For-Profit Colleges
- Government Imposters
- Health Fraud
- Mortgage Servicing
- Natural Disasters
- Predatory Leasing
- Privacy and Identity Theft
- Scams
- Seniors
- Servicemembers and Veterans
- Student Learn Servicing
- Telecommunication
Learn more about these topics by visiting ConsumerResources.org.
Courses and Trainings
Policy Letters
- Consumer Protection
Attorneys General Support Efforts to Stop Robocallers from Misusing Legitimate Phone Numbers
The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) today wrote the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of its efforts to…
- Consumer Protection
- Elder Justice
NAAG Endorses Fraud and Scam Reduction Act
H.R. 1215 provides much needed education and training for the employees most likely to be able to detect and report elder fraud and scams. The bill also provides a mechanism for vigorous monitoring of elder fraud, provides information on such schemes to the public, and coordinates reporting with law enforcement authorities. For these reasons, we strongly urge the Senate to take action and pass H.R. 1215.
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